Volunteers Enlist to Find Christopher Connor’s Murderer

Mission Beach residents awoke on the morning of November 16 to find a banner promising a $25,000 reward hanging from the roof of an empty storefront near the rollercoaster.

"I'm not sure who put that up, but we've been handing out flyers since the weekend," explained Autumn, a nurse from University City.

The flyers, designed by the San Diego Police Department’s homicide division, ask for information related to the death of 21-year-old Christopher Connor in Mission Beach on November 16, 2008. The two-year anniversary of the young man's death prompted Autumn and three of her friends to spread the word about the reward being increased to $25,000.

"Chris was a talented, really friendly guy who knew so many people around here. Somebody has information that may help,” said Autumn. “The guy who killed him...is still around Mission Beach.”

According to police reports, a neighbor — Brandon Michael Callanan — went to the home of Christopher Ross Connor on Bayside Lane late that Saturday night. A fight ensued, and Callanan left after Connor became unconscious. Paramedics were called but they were unable to revive Connor. The San Diego Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death to be asphyxia due to compression of the neck.

Police arrested 29-year-old Callanan and booked him into jail on suspicion of murder; he was initially held without bail but was released after further investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact SDPD Sgt. Dave Johnson at 619-531-2276 or Crimestoppers at 888-580-TIPS.